Page 107 - ShowSight Express, January 7 2021
P. 107

                                       Jon Cole
SPORTING GROUP
Group One: CH Kan Trace Very Cheeky Chic (Lagotto Romagnolo)
Group Two: GCHG Foley’s Frat Party CGC (ASCOB Cocker Spaniel)
Group Three: GCH Vermillion’s Sex, Lies, And Serious Money (Irish Setter) Group Four: GCHG Artic Sun’s Pursuing The Dream JH (Flat-Coated Retriever)
1. Can you describe the thrill of receiving an invitation to judge at the AKC National Championship Presented by Royal Canin?
I have been fortunate over the last 20 years of AKC Shows to have been invited a number of times to officiate. It is always a pleasure to judge as the quality in the Breed judging, Groups and BIS is outstanding. It is always an honor to be included on the panel.
2. How did you prepare for this assignment? Any special preparations (particularly due to COVID-19)?
While CV-19 has created new procedures for dog shows, I have judged at a number of shows since the start of the pandemic. This has allowed me to be aware of what to expect and how to run a ring.
3. Was this year’s show noticeably different from previous years (due to the pandemic)?
There were fewer people at the event, and the “show and go” worked well. How- ever, it seemed strange that there were no spectators at the Group and BIS ring to cheer on their favorite dog.
4. What did you experience when you first entered the ring? Can you describe the feeling?
All of the Group and BIS judges had a walk-through either on Friday night or on Saturday. We were clear on the basic procedures of how the ring was to be run. This took the edge off walking into the ring on Saturday night.
5. Did you feel any pressure from the live Internet coverage?
I did not have any pressure on the live feed. It is important to be aware of cam- era locations and how the TV crew wants to capture the event.
6. How challenging was the assignment?
Can you share your selection process?
The assignment was challenging from the aspect that the judge is aware that many outstanding dogs will be presented. As I did not judge any of the Sporting breed entries prior on that day, it is always interesting what your fellow judges have sent to the Group.
7. Do you have a word or two about your winner?
About the dogs that placed?
The selection process always begins with a refresher course on the standards of each breed that may be shown to you. Dogs are like people in that they can have good days and bad. This applies to even the top-winning dogs. Each dog is evaluated with a hand exam followed by movement. When you have a high level of competition, everything counts when making a decision. The Sporting Group in 2020 had far more deserving dogs than the maximum cut that I had to make. The cut reflected 12 outstanding dogs that could easily win or place in many Groups. I thought that my Group winners; Lagotto Romagnolo (1),
ASCOB Cocker Spaniel (2), Irish Setter (3), and Flat-Coated Retriever (4) represented their stan- dard and, likewise, performed well in the ring. My placements reflected what I thought were the best on that day.
8. How do you think this show furthers the cause of the
preservation purebred dog breeder?
Any show televised to the general public can help purebred dogs. The purebred dog community has many challenges dealing with anti-purebred dog groups, so anything positive is good.
9. What are your thoughts about the 2020 show year? The year ahead?
2020 has been crazy. It started with the canceling of the Louisville Cluster on the third day. April, May, and most of June saw zero show activity. Thank goodness the shows started up again at the end of June in Oklahoma. However, this did not eliminate shows from being canceled left and right. Some shows took up the slack and came on board even though it was not their usual dates. 2021 already has had many shows canceled in the first quarter. Our fight is not over yet.
10. Have you got any advice to offer next year’s Group and BIS judges?
To the AKC Judges 2021: Have fun and enjoy.
 





































































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